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Don’t Let Water Pump Leak Ruin Your Home: How to Detect and Fix the Problem

Detecting & Fixing Water Pump Leak

Did you know your trusty water sump pump is the key to protecting your home from floods and water damage? If you’ve got a basement or crawl space that’s at risk of flooding, regular sump pump maintenance is essential to keep water levels in check and avoid expensive property damage.

However, like any mechanical device, sump pumps can experience problems, like leaks in the water pump. A leaking water pump can fail to protect your home and cause more significant issues such as mold growth, foundation damage, or even structural failure. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what causes water pump leaks and provide you with practical solutions to fix them. 

If you want to protect your home against flooding, this guide is for you. So let’s dive and discover the signs and causes of a water pump leak and how professional water leak detection services can help you get out of this mess.

Signs That You Have A Leaking Water Pump 

Odd Noises

If you can hear strange noises coming from your water pump, whether it’s clicking, grinding, or screeching, there’s a good chance there’s something wrong with the pump. Contact a water pump specialist as soon as possible, as weird noises could be a prominent indicator of a leaking water pump.

Irregular Central Heating

You might need to repair your water pump if your central heating isn’t behaving as expected. If your radiators don’t heat up, or only specific radiators heat up, it may be a sign that you leaked the water pump that needs to be repaired. The pump in a central heating system circulates the water around the entire system through each radiator in turn.

If the pump is suffering from reduced power or effectiveness, the hot water either won’t move very well or will circulate in the system too slowly. This means that when it reaches radiators further away from the pump, the water will be cooled, and the heating will be ineffective. 

So you won’t get your desired water temperature when needed.

Unexpected Changes In Shower Temperature

Sudden changes in shower temperature may indicate a leaking water pump. Your water pump system may leak if you see sudden shifts in the water temperature while you are showering, as a water pump leak can cause a drop in water pressure, leading to changes in water temperature.

Moreover, a water pump leak might harm your apartment’s foundation and other parts, necessitating expensive repairs. To stop additional damage and ensure the safety of your house and family, it is crucial to get your water pump inspected and fixed by a qualified water leak detection service as soon as you suspect it may be leaking.

Leaking Water

As with any plumbing system component, the water pump should perform its task and keep the water inside the system. If a seal is broken or the pump is damaged in some way, you may find water leaking out of your boiler or from the bottom of the shower.

When the pump starts leaking, it’s time to get it repaired by a reliable sump pump repair service that can help you in this misery.

Reduced Water Flow

A water pump is a pushing device – it pushes water from one end of the system to the other. If the capacity of the pump decreases, the water flow will also decrease. This is most noticeable in a shower where your water jets may turn into slow dribbles.

If the pump is faulty, the water may come out of the shower at a higher or lower temperature than expected, often changing during a shower. If you’re suffering from unwanted temperature fluctuations in the shower, it could be a sign of a water pump leak that you need to repair.

Causes of Water Pump Leaks

Bad Seal

The water pump housing and the engine block have a seal between which keeps the coolant from leaking into the sump pump. It also keeps extra air from getting into the cooling system. This seal can fail if improperly installed or if the coolant becomes corrosive.

While a seal leaking coolant is bad, the air intake is often worse. Extra air in the cooling system can lead to corrosion and reduced pump efficiency. 

Loose Drive Pulley

A loose drive pulley is another source of trouble. If the water pump’s drive pulley vibrates, the pulley bearings will eventually fail. This reduces the pump’s efficiency before causing failure.

A loose drive pulley can also cause the water pump’s impeller to become imbalanced. This will cause the water pump to leak as well.

For these reasons, it’s advised that the water pump drive pulley be replaced simultaneously with the water pump itself. A lot of water pumps come with the drive pulley already installed.

A Bad or Broken Belt

You should regularly try to inspect the belt that drives the water pump pulley, if possible. The belt should be kept from being worn, cracked, or slipping. If it isn’t sufficiently snug, the belt should be fixed and tightened to specification.

A failed belt means a non-operational water pump, which is as catastrophic as a broken water pump. A belt must be replaced, and the tensioner reset if it is over-tightened. Otherwise, it can damage the pump’s drive pulley and lead to premature bearing, casting failure, and, eventually, a leaky water sump pump. 

Corrosion

Corrosion causes many water pumps to fail, although being tougher to spot. When the fluid in the cooling system is not properly maintained or is changed with a tap water mixture, corrosion frequently happens (distilled water should always be used when refilling cooling systems).

Sadly, corrosion cannot be seen until the water pump needs to be repaired. The pump will start to leak, the impellers will become damaged and less effective, or the seal between the block and the pump will become compromised and leak.

Level of Water

Since a submersible pump is intended to be immersed in water by definition, you would believe there are no restrictions on how deep you can pull water from a hole. However, after a certain point pump’s performance is affected, the pump becomes damaged. 

Your pump will come with its NPSH-required drawdown limit, but if you’re still unsure, check with the team at Citizen Plumbing so they can advise you on how to proceed.

If your pump stops and starts frequently due to low water levels, it may reduce its lifespan and damage it. Knowing the maximum number of times your pump should be started daily based on its diameter is crucial for preventing motor failure. 

Another thing that can help is monitoring the incoming power supply since a reduced voltage supply results in an increased amperage draw, which will mean a higher operating temperature.

Reduction In Supply Line Diameter

Your pump must have an input line with a certain diameter in order to function. In certain situations, we’ve seen folks attach a pipe that’s smaller than what’s advised (using reduction couplings). It’s also possible for the intake line to crimp on itself, depending on the model you use.

A few items might be examined, such as the intake line, which needs to be at least the same size as the discharge line and the suggested size. Check for kinks by following the input line from the source to the pump. Use a rigid intake line if at all possible. Sometimes known as non-collapsible hose.

Intake Line Obstruction

Anything that impedes the water’s flow into the line will cause a reduction in the flow rate. Debris blockage is a common problem with water pump leaks; it can be hard to see the intake hose. But, operators should check to ensure no debris is blocking the intake. 

The blockage typically happens at the filter as it prevents damage to the water pump. Remove the debris and reposition the hose to start pumping again. The intake filter or screen can be the culprit, even without debris. While you must ensure the filter is fine enough to prevent damaging solids from entering the pump, too fine a filter for the water pump will restrict the flow right as the water enters the intake. Be sure the filter is proper for the pump.

Unchecked Changes In Pumping Conditions

A well-chosen pump will usually provide many years of reliable operation, but if the pump application changes, the pumping condition will most likely change as a result.

Due to this, the pump may attempt to operate in a sub-optimal manner, which may cause lower 

flow, pressure variations, and frequent total failure. Changes like these can frequently go unreported until serious degradation has set in if your pump operator is not utilizing a pressure gauge.

How To Fix Water Pump Leaks

Shut Off The Power

Before beginning any work on the pump, turning off the power supply to avoid electrical hazards is essential. This can be done by locating the circuit breaker or switch that controls the pump and turning it off.

Drain The System

Draining the water from the system is important to prevent further leakage and damage. This can be done by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the pump and letting the water flow out. Alternatively, you can remove the pump from the water source and tilt it to empty it.

Locate The Leak

Once the system is drained, locate the source of the leak. Inspect the pump and its connections for any signs of damage or corrosion causing the water pump leak. The most common leak areas are around the pump seal, fittings, and connections.

Tighten Loose Fittings

If loose fittings or connections cause the leak, use a wrench to tighten them. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause further damage. Check the fittings and connections for any signs of damage or wear, and replace any parts that appear to be worn out.

Seal The Leak

If the leak is caused by a crack or hole in the pump casing or fittings, it must be sealed. Apply a sealant or pipe joint compound to the area around the leak, covering the entire affected area. Allow the sealant to dry completely before restarting the pump.

Restart The Pump

Once the repair is complete, turn the power back on and restart the pump. Check for any leaks or other issues. If the pump is still leaking, repeat the above steps or seek the help of a professional plumber or pump repair technician.

Monitor The System

Monitor the system for any signs of a water pump leak or issue. Repeat the above steps if you notice any problems or contact a professional for assistance.

It’s important to note that fixing a water pump leak can be a complex process, depending on the extent of the damage. If you are not confident about repairing the pump, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional plumbing service.

Installing A Water Sump Pump (DIY vs. Professional Repairs)

If you find yourself cleaning up a flooded basement after every heavy rainfall, it might be time to consider installing a sump pump. Water pump leak not only damages your belongings but also promotes the growth of mold, which is dangerous to your health. 

A sump pump will help solve these problems by pumping out excess water that enters your home during heavy storms. You’ve probably asked yourself if you can do this type of project yourself or if calling a professional would be more suitable. DIY sump pump installation is possible if you have prior experience, but you would have more advantages if you hire a waterproofing professional. 

Do-It-Yourself 

If you are determined to install a sump pump yourself, it is possible to do without a professional. Remember that you will need to acquire the proper tools for this kind of installation. 

Outside of the actual sump pump equipment, you will also need to make sure you have the right tools to create a hole through your basement’s concrete floor and run a pipe through your basement wall. The project will take some time and advanced DIY experience, but it can save you from paying extra labor costs. 

Hiring A Professional

While installing a sump pump yourself has its perks, hiring a professional can assess your situation and determine the best solution. 

After their assessment, they can recommend the right product and determine the best place to install the pump. A professional will come with the correct equipment, allowing them to tackle any barriers you may not have anticipated. This would save you the trouble of going back and forth to the hardware store throughout the installation process.

An experienced sump pump service knows how to complete the job correctly. This may include how deep to dig the hole, how to size the sump pit and pump correctly, and how to ensure the system is well-sealed, eventually if the system is working properly.

They will not only assess the situation, but they will also give you a quote. This way, you will know how much the project will cost ahead of time, and you can make a wise decision on who you want to hire. 

There is never a one-size-fits-all answer to a question like this. If you have the tools, experience, and know-how, you may likely be able to install a sump pump with no issues. But if you have any doubt or want to be extra sure about the execution, call a professional.

Cost of Water Pump Repairs

According to Forbes, replacing a good sump pump to eliminate a water pump leak may be more affordable than buying a new one outright because some good pumps can be upgraded without being fully replaced. A good pump replacement will average from $250 to $5,000, with most homeowners reporting an estimated cost of $1,750.

Prevention of Water Pump Leaks

Regular Maintenance

Plan routine maintenance for your water pump to ensure it operates properly. This can involve performing leak detection, filter cleaning, and component replacement.

Pressure Gauge

Put a pressure gauge on the pump to keep track of the pressure variations. Leaks may result from the pressure that is either too high or too low.

Check For Leaks

Often check for water pump leaks on the pump and its connections. Patch any leaks as soon as you find them to stop future harm.

Employ High-Quality Components 

Use high-quality components like pipes and fittings when installing or repairing your water pump. You should avoid using cheap or poor-quality materials that may cause leaks and other problems.

Prevent Overloading

Don’t use your water pump at a higher rate than advised. The pump may have to work harder than necessary, resulting in leakage.

Installation Done Right

Make sure your water pump is installed properly and by the manufacturer’s recommendations. This can stop leaks brought on by poor installation.

Keep Warmth

If you reside in a cold region, keep your water pump warm to avoid freezing temperatures. Before winter, drain the pump and cut off the lines to avoid freezing and cracking.

Conclusion

High-quality materials, appropriate installation, and regular maintenance are necessary to prevent household water pump leaks. To identify problems early and stop future harm, it’s also crucial to check for leaks and to have the pumps regularly maintained through a professional plumbing service.

By paying attention to these pointers we have provided in this blog, you can make sure that your water pump runs properly and efficiently, giving you a steady supply of water for your home and keeping you stress-free. 

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